Freytag’s Pyramid for “Ryan”

T R A G E D Y (1133-35)

One of oldest literary genres Tragedy vs. tragedy Hamartia, or tragic flaw (Aristotle) “Great souls suffering greatly” (1556)

Tragic hero experiences reversal of fortune Arouses pity or fear in spectators (Aristotle) Tragic (elevated) style / language

“A play that portrays a serious conflict between human beings and some superior, overwhelming force. It ends sorrowfully and disastrously, and this outcome seems inevitable” (1133).

Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus (about year 1588)

Act II, Scene I

In Journal (p.66), respond to following prompt:

Tragic heroes often effect feelings of pity or fearin readers / spectators. Does Dr. Faustus

prompteither of these feelings in you? If so, why? If not,why not? Are there other feelings his character

triggers? Use specifics from the text.

Why is this a tragedy?- Character in conflict

with superior force- Disastrous ending- Elevated diction

Other dramatic elements:

- Dramatic conventions- Symbolic action - Allusions

Faustus as tragic hero:

- High standing- What is his tragic

flaw (or flaws)?- Hubris

C O M E D Y

““A literary work aimed at amusing an audience. In A literary work aimed at amusing an audience. In traditional comedy, the protagonist often faces traditional comedy, the protagonist often faces

obstacles and complications that threaten obstacles and complications that threaten disaster disaster

but are overturned at the last moment to produce but are overturned at the last moment to produce a happy endinga happy ending”” (1155).(1155).

High vs. Low Comedy (1142-43) High Comedy

Wit and wordplay

Evokes “thoughtful

laughter” (1155)

Depicts human folly, pretense, and hypocrisy

Low Comedy Physical action

(clowning, roughhousing), visual gags, course humor and jokes -- anything to get a laugh

i.e. drunkenness, appearance, clumsiness, trickery, lust

Like high comedy, satirizes human failings

Popular culture

- Protagonists are lovers.- After comical misadventures, the two end up together.

ROMANTIC COMEDY

Ives’ “Soap Opera” (1143-53)

GROUP WORK:

In groups of 2-3, discuss questions

3, 4, 6, and 7 on pg. 1153.Be ready to report on findings.

GROUP WORK:

In groups of 2-3, discuss questions

3, 4, 6, and 7 on pg. 1153.Be ready to report on findings.